Damian Lillard ‘Absolutely’ Interested in Becoming Blazers Part-Owner in Future

zach bacharContributor IFebruary 10, 2024

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Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard is intrigued by the possibility of becoming a part-owner of the Portland Trail Blazers after his playing days are over.

“Absolutely, absolutely,” Lillard responded when asked about it. “I’ll definitely be a participant in that.”

Landon Buford @LandonBufordBucks’ Damian Lillard Sounds Off On Possible Ownership with @trailblazers:

– https://t.co/sakGP03l0o

“Absolutely, absolutely, I’ll definitely be a participant in that, @Dame_Lillard tells me. #RIPCity #FearTheDeer #NBA pic.twitter.com/xqlxy9lAaa

The 33-year-old is a Trail Blazers icon, having spent the first 11 years of his career in Portland. He’s the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and his 2,387 three-pointers rank No. 1 among players to suit up for the team.

Lillard was traded to the Bucks in Oct. 2023 after the Trail Blazers finished their second consecutive season with a losing record. He was dealt in a three-team trade that also involved the Phoenix Suns.

The future ownership of the Trail Blazers has been discussed for years after longtime team owner Paul Allen died in Oct. 2018.

Nike founder Phil Knight reportedly made a $2 billion offer to buy the team in 2022, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Jody Allen, Paul’s sister, did not accept and issued a statement saying that she would not sell.

Although Lillard is enticed by the concept of part-ownership, it seems like an endeavor that may have to wait several years as he’s still one of the best point guards in the NBA. He was named to his eighth All-Star team in 2024 by averaging 25.0 points and 6.8 assists per game on 42.7/34.5/92.2 shooting splits.